CAF Awards 2025: Tapsoba, Haïdara, Sadiki and Moroccan trio lead race for Best Young African Player

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the ten nominees for the 2025 Young African Player of the Year award, a category that continues to celebrate the continent’s rising football stars.

The list, which includes Asharaf Tapsoba, Alynho Haïdara, Noah Sadiki, and three Moroccan prodigies, highlights Africa’s new generation of emerging talent.

Morocco dominates the shortlist after a series of historic performances by its youth teams.

The North African nation’s success in the U17 AFCON, U20 AFCON, and the U20 World Cup has placed its young players in the spotlight. Abdellah Ouazane, Houssam Essadak, and Othmane Maamma represent this golden generation.

Ouazane, voted MVP at the U17 AFCON, showcased brilliance throughout the tournament. Essadak and Maamma played decisive roles in Morocco’s U20 World Cup triumph, with Maamma earning the tournament’s MVP award.

Their presence among the nominees confirms Morocco’s progress in youth development through the Mohammed VI Academy and the integration of dual-national talents from Europe.

West Africa also presents strong candidates for the prestigious honour. Burkina Faso’s Asharaf Tapsoba and Ivory Coast’s Alynho Haïdara headline the region’s representation after dazzling performances at the U17 AFCON.

Both players finished as joint top scorers with seven goals each, displaying maturity beyond their years. Tapsoba, born in 2010, continues to attract European attention for his striking instinct and composure.

Haïdara, trained at Mainz de Jacqueville—an Ivorian academy affiliated with German club Mainz 05—combines strength and technique, drawing comparisons with established forwards.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Noah Sadiki adds another layer of intrigue to the race. The 20-year-old midfielder has cemented his place in Sunderland’s starting lineup in the Premier League, showcasing consistency and tactical intelligence. As the only Central African nominee, Sadiki’s experience in top-flight European football gives him a distinct advantage over his younger competitors.

Nigeria’s Daniel Bameyi and Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara further enrich the list. Bameyi, captain of Nigeria’s U20 side, impressed with his leadership and defensive solidity during the U20 AFCON. Kamara, who currently plays for Minnesota in Major League Soccer, earned recognition for his creativity and discipline, making him one of Sierra Leone’s brightest prospects.

South Africa’s youthful duo, Mbekezile Mbokazi and Tylon Smith, complete the impressive field of nominees. Smith, named Best Player of the U20 AFCON, brings flair and technical excellence to the competition, while Mbokazi has built a reputation for versatility and composure under pressure.

CAF will announce the winner during the 2025 CAF Awards ceremony in December, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. The award, previously claimed twice by Senegal’s Lamine Camara, has grown in prestige, symbolising Africa’s vibrant football future.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 (𝗠𝗲𝗻) – 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝘀 #CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/G0xqgcPzJH

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 22, 2025